“It was very exciting to watch students be engaged in this event,” Hernandez said.

Business administration sophomore Nicholas George Delunay is the choreographer of the Emerald City Fashion Show.

“Victoria is the only student who has designed this many outfits for a fashion show event. It’s pretty amazing,” he said.

Martinez found a passion for clothing at the age of 8, and has been designing clothes ever since.

“I began sewing pieces together by hand and making clothes for my dolls as a child,” she said. “My grandmother taught me everything I know. It’s her who I owe this to.”

“I have big dreams of shining a light on my clothing line and branching it off to a business eventually,” Martinez said. “I have very high hopes that this event will do just that.”

Martinez’ clothing line is named Chalé by Victoria Martinez, using her middle name.

Being a fashion designer on a student budget is difficult. Fabrics are expensive and require a lot of time to design into wearable item, she said.

Once she graduates with a bachelor’s degree, Martinez eventually plans to produce a clothing brand.

Martinez envisions a design, cuts a pattern and sews fabric using a sewing machine and hand-stitching to make the ideas come to life.

“I’m inspired by pieces that have already been designed. That way I am aware that they are worthy of making sales, but I just add my own twist on them,” Martinez said.

Martinez finds designing, cutting and sewing fabric a form of stress relief.

“Not only does the entire process fascinate me and take my mind off stress, but the outcome is what I truly enjoy the most,” Martinez said. “Being able to walk in public, wearing outfits designed by me, allows me to express myself in a way I truly desire.”